Throughout the academic year, the SDO offers a wide range of professional development and academic skills workshops. Run by experienced tutors and guest speakers, the interactive sessions are tailored for different levels of study allowing students to select the level of expertise most appropriate to their interests and needs.

The year-long Edinburgh Award is a series of events and activities designed to strengthen your CV and help you stand out in the job market. The Award recognises and rewards involvement in activities undertaken alongside the degree programme and aims to enhance and improve the student experience.

SSPS currently offers the following Awards:
• Professionalism in Community Engagement
• Professionalism in Public Engagement
• Project Management and Digital Skills

MSc students on selected programmes may undertake a placement-based dissertation as a part of their degree programme. Students will partner with a local, national or internationally based organisation to complete an extensive research project on a mutually agreed subject area. The SDO will provide a range of pre-negotiated options or can work with students to set up their own placement. Funding to support placement-based dissertations is available through the SDO on a competitive basis.